250 years of American independence: The retreat from multiracial democracy

'America 250' (7/13). A century after its founding, 38 states made up the nation. Deep divisions persisted over how to treat the Black population. Slavery had been abolished, much to the dismay of the Democrats, who were gaining ground. Although the Republicans won the presidential election, their victory came at the cost of institutionalizing segregationist policies in the Southern states.